Karan Johar: The Worst Negotiator Karan Johar's ₹1,000 Crore Dharma

The Worst Negotiator Karan Johar's ₹1,000 Crore Dharma Deal News Update on SerialBoosters.com

Bollywood mogul Karan Johar recently made headlines not just for a major business deal, but for his surprisingly candid confession about his role in it. The celebrated filmmaker, who is the creative powerhouse behind Dharma Productions, revealed with characteristic self-deprecating humor that he is the "worst negotiator" imaginable. 

This admission came after the significant transaction where he sold a 50% stake in his production house to Adar Poonawalla's Serene Productions for a staggering ₹1,000 crore.

The deal, which took place in 2024, saw Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, invest a massive sum into both Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. This investment effectively valued the entire company at ₹2,000 crore, positioning it as one of the most substantial transactions in the history of Indian entertainment. Karan Johar retained the remaining 50% ownership and continued in his role as the Executive Chairman, ensuring he maintains creative control over the content.

A Confession of Weak Business Acumen
Despite overseeing an entertainment empire built on decades of box-office success, Johar openly admits that business and financial dealings are not his strong suit. "My business acumen is not the sharpest. You may not believe me, but it's true," he confessed in a recent interview. 

He credits the consistent success and shrewd financial management of Dharma to his childhood friend and company CEO, Apoorva Mehta, whom he refers to as the company's "business brain," while he sees himself as the "creative source."

This modesty extended to his capabilities in the boardroom. "I'm the worst," he quipped about his negotiation skills. "I should never be in the negotiation room because I'll always give up more and receive less."

While such a vast deal might suggest intense negotiation, Johar insists he has "no regrets at all" about selling the stake. He views the partnership with Poonawalla not as a financial exit, but as a strategic move necessary for the company's exponential growth and future scaling. 

He recognized that organic growth would take many years and that securing such a substantial capital infusion was the key to moving the company in a more forward-moving direction, potentially expanding the brand globally.

Karan expressed confidence that the initial investment, even with half his stake sold, would allow Dharma to leverage the capital for much greater returns. The deal, therefore, was a visionary decision based on an instinct for long-term strategic expansion, despite his self-proclaimed lack of a sharp business mind. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to serialboosters.com Thank you!